Woop, woop – that’s the sound of the police; Metropolitan Police FC maybe taking no prisoners when out on the football pitch? For a long-term member of the Isthmian League, we somehow contrived to pass each other by much like ships in the night. Indeed, our one ‘official’ meeting between the clubs – a 1988 AC Delco Cup encounter – went the way of the filth. Apart from that, Boro’ did run in 11 goals against the Met in a 2003 pre-season friendly at their gaff. But who wants to hear about that? Tony Battersby perhaps; scoring a paltry five goals that day
Metropolitan Police (the football club) is, by definition, the football club of the Metropolitan Police (er, the police force). The Met (the football club) first came into existence in 1919 – 90 years after The Met (the police force) was formed. It won’t surprise you to learn that, yes, the club used to be consist of serving officers. But that’s no longer the case – the last member of the Old Bill to turn out for ’em was five years ago. Now, the Met are no different to any other semi-pro side really…
After “plodding” around playing friendlies for nine years, Metropolitan Police joined the Spartan League in 1928 and stayed there until 1960. In a move that now almost seems obvious, the Met decided to switch to the Metropolitan Police League and – in doing so – came up against Stevenage in a former existence. We’re not here to discuss that, however, and the club didn’t stay long either. In 1971, the Southern League came calling and – five years later – the Isthmian League. In 2019, the club returned to the Southern League.
How to get to Metropolitan Police – Travel Information – Distance: 57 miles
By Road
Travel around the M25 counter-clockwise until you come to Junction 12 for the M3. Head towards London for around six miles. Come off at Junction 1; taking the fourth exit at the station for the A308.
You drive past Hampton Court Green to your left when you get to a roundabout. This is in front of the palace itself. Turn right and cross the Thames. Go right at the next roundabout for the B364. It’s then a left and right for Imber Court.
There’s a small car park at the ground. But you may have to settle for street parking if it’s available.
By Rail
Station: HAMPTON COURT
Services to: LONDON WATERLOO
As you leave the station, turn left for Hampton Court Way. If you cross the main channel of the Thames, you’ve gone wrong. You do go across the Mole and Ember, however. At the roundabout after the Old Tiffinians Association, turn right. The ground is straight ahead.